BALDWIN — Family Health Care has become the 300th employer in Michigan to offer the MI Tri-Share Child Care benefit, a milestone state officials say highlights the growing role of child care assistance in supporting the workforce.
The Baldwin-based health care provider was recognized this week as Michigan leaders gathered at the Mackinac Policy Conference to discuss the expansion of the employer-based program, which helps reduce child care costs by sharing expenses among employees, employers and the state.
Family Health Care, which serves Lake County and surrounding rural communities, is in the process of implementing the benefit for employees.
“At Family Health Care, we see firsthand how access to reliable child care impacts the health and stability of families,” Chief Executive Officer Julie Tatko said. “Participating in MI Tri-Share allows us to better support our employees while continuing to care for our community. It’s an investment in our workforce and in the well-being of the families we serve.”
Administered by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, or MiLEAP, MI Tri-Share was launched as a pilot program in 2021. The program reduces the cost of licensed child care by two-thirds for eligible employees while helping employers recruit and retain workers.
State officials said the program has expanded to every county in Michigan and is now offered by more than 300 employers. Nearly 900 eligible employees participate, helping cover child care costs for approximately 1,200 children through more than 840 child care providers statewide.
According to MiLEAP, Michigan families have collectively saved more than $14 million in child care expenses through the program.
“At MiLEAP, we believe access to child care is critical to supporting Michigan’s workforce and economic future,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “Welcoming Family Health Care as the 300th employer to offer MI Tri-Share reflects the continued growth of this innovative program and strong collaboration between government, employers and community partners to support Michigan families.”
Family Health Care provides primary care, preventive services, behavioral health services and care coordination throughout the region. The organization serves patients of all ages and works with community partners to improve access to health care in rural northern Michigan.
The MI Tri-Share milestone was highlighted during a panel discussion at the Mackinac Policy Conference that included representatives from business, philanthropy and state government. Participants discussed the impact of child care affordability on workforce participation and economic development.
Last year, income eligibility for MI Tri-Share expanded to households earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level, approximately $132,000 annually for a family of four. MiLEAP also recently introduced MI Care-Share, which allows participating employers to extend child care assistance to employees whose household incomes exceed that threshold.
Legislation approved by the Michigan Senate and currently pending in the House would make the program a permanent option for Michigan families and employers.
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